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Town Hall,
Euston Road,
London, N. W. 1.
September, 1963
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of St. Pancras.
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have pleasure in submitting to you my Annual Report on the health, vital
statistics and sanitary circumstances of the Metropolitan Borough of St. Pancras
for the year 1962. In accordance with the request of the Minister of Health, the
report is presented in the same general form as has been done for some years past.
Most of the vital statistics contained herein do not call for particular
comment. The population of the Borough has continued the steady decline that has
been apparent since 1949 and the recent census figures show a fall of nearly 14,000
since 1951. The illegitimate birth rate has risen by some 20 per cent. to a figure
of 388 in the past year. A similar increase has occurred in almost all London
boroughs and is, I think, in a large measure due to the anonymity and opportunities
of work which London can offer the unmarried mother from elsewhere.
Whilst deaths from cancer have fallen slightly during the past year, there
has been a rise from 70 to 97 in deaths from cancer of the lung and associated
structures, such lesions now forming almost a third of deaths from malignant disease.
In this connection it is apposite to mention the Health Education Campaign which
was conducted in the Borough in October 1962 taking the form of a 'Smoking and
Health Week'. Amobile van was provided by the Central Council for Health Education
who also gave us the services of a number of trained speakers on this theme and
meetings were held which were attended by the public and additionally lectures and
demonstrations were given in local schools. Whilst all aspects of health education
have continued to expand, particular mention should be made of the Home Safety
Week held in September 1962 during which film shows were given in the children's
libraries and old folk's clubs; several shops gave space for window displays;
resuscitation demonstrations were given and leaflets distributed through many
private and public agencies. Special attention was given to water safety and as a
result of the course organised, twenty-nine children were presented by the Mayor
with swimming proficiency certificates. Campaigns were also carried out during the
year pointing out the dangers from broken glass and fireworks.
The work of S.P.A.C.A. has continued to Increase and this year has seen the
establishment of a luncheon club in Lady Margaret Road. This has proved a very
successful venture. The club has been well attended from the start and is currently
at almost full capacity, serving some 60-70 lunches each day.
I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the many members of the
Town Hall staff who have helped in the work done by S.P.A.C.A. On many occasions
they have given generously of their time and expert knowledge to members of my
department and have always proved most willing to deal with the varied problems
with which we have presented them.
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